Improvement in spirit-meters



N4 PETERS. PHOTO-LITHOGRAPHEN, WASHINGTON J. G1.. ALLEN, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

Letters Patent No. 76,690, dated April 14, 1868.

IMPROVEMENT IN SPIRIT-METERS'. v

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TO ALL WHO-M IT MAY CONCERN: Y y

i Be it known that I, J. Gr. ALLEN, oi' Philadelphia, in the c'ounty of Philadelphia, and State of Pennsylvtv nia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Spirit-Meters; and I'do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, making part of this specification, and to the letters` of reference marked thereon,- like letters indicating like parts wherever they occur.

To enable others skilled-in the art to construct and use my invention, I will proceed to describe it.

My invention consists in certain `improvements in spirit-meters, whereby their eiiiciency andy security are very greatly increased, as hereinafter explained. Y

Figure 1 is a side'I elevation of a meter with most of my improvements applied thereto. i

Figure 2 is a similar view oi' a meter constructed on the snmegeneral plan, with a difi'ereut measuringapparatusattached. i

Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6 represent details.

In constructing my improved meter, I provide a suitable'iframe, in the upper portion of which I mount a tank, A, to receive the spirit as it flows from the still through a pipc, P. My first-improvement consists of a series of upright tubes or cells, P', with pipes, a, connecting them, as represented in iig. 1, there being a series of small perforationsin each ofthe tubes P', at the point where the pipe a leads from it to the next lower one. The object of this arrangement is to prevent any substances from passing over into the meter, and choking or otherwise interfering with the operation of Aany of its parts. It' sander any heavy substance enters the cells P', it will settle at the bottom, and remain there, while,ii` any light material passes over, such as hops or similar substance, as might be the case by accident or fraudulentA intent, or it themeter be used for beer, then -such material will ioat on the top of the luid in the cells P', and be'arrested by the strainers at a;

From the reservoir, A, the spirit will flow through a tube or spout, b, intov one or the other of a pair of measuring-reservoirs, C, which are united and hung on an axis, e, as shown yin ng. 1, the two reservoirs C thus forming a tilting-hopper, or measuring or weighing-apparatus. To the extremity of the division vbetween the reservoirs C, a weight, N, is attached, for the purpeseof holding them in position, when tilted to either side, until the one that is under the spout becomes 4illed sufficiently to overbalance the weight N, and tilt it to the opposite side, emptying the contents into the spout E, as represented in iig. 1. A To the under side of each reser.- voir C there is attached a spout, F, of such a length that, as the reservoir C is being emptied, the small quantity of the liquor that will ow through the p erforations a n, in the extreme side of the reservoir, will ow out at the opposite end of this spout F into a funnel, G, placed directly under the tilting-reservoir, as shown in iig. 1, From this funnel G a spout, d, extends outward far enough to .conduct the sample of liquor thus separated into one of a series of transparent sample-tubes, L', arranged in a circle around the base of the meter.

In order to move this spout d around from one to another ofthe sample-tubes or chambers, as they become iilledI attach to the shaft, on which the funnel G is mounted, a'horizontal disk or wheel, H, having a Vertical rim, provided with a series of `ratchet-teeth, as shown in 5g. 1. To the axis, c, ot' the tilting-device, I attach a short crank, fm, to which is connected a pawl, f, the lower end of-which engages in the notches of the disk H, so that as the reservoirs C are tilted over to the left, as represented in tig. 1, the pawl fwill act upon the disk G, and by pushing it a short dist-ance each time, will thereby move the spout d around. Inorder toprevent the spoutfrom being carried too far, the pawl y" is so arranged that it will not strike against the teeth of the disk until'the reservoir C has arrived almost at a state ot" rest; and if necessary, the disk Gr may have a spring bearing against it, to prevent it from moving too readily or too far; and, further, this spring may be arranged to rest in or enter slight depressions at the instant it is desired to stop the disk. The rotation of the disk with its sample-spout, d,- may be so arranged as to deposit a single sample in each of the sample-chambers L', or it may be so arranged or geared asto deposit any required 4number of samples in each chamber before passing to thc-next one. Y.

In order to automatically empty these sample-chambers, either of the two following plans may be adopted,

as may be found most expedient in practice: First, they may have a ralvo, o, located at their bottom, these valves opening inward, and Vbeing operated by an incline, t', attached, by an arm, It, to the. shaft J, thisv arm being located the width of one sample-tube in `advance of the spout eZ, so that, as it moves forward, the incline r will strike against and open the valve o in the sample-chamber next in Vadvance of' the one into wh'ch the spout eZ is emptying. By this arrangement, all the sample-chambers may be kept filled, except theone immediately in front of the one being filled; or, insteadl of the valve o, cach of the sample-chambers L mayhave attached to it a siphon, Z, as represented in iig. 1. When the sample-tube becomes lled, so as to set the Siphon Zin oper.- ation, the tube L will bellemptied thereby, without the use of any valves, in which case the arm 7c will be dispensed with. V

In order to prevent the alteration ofthe samples by evaporation, I adopt either ofthe two following plans:

First, the tcp of the tube L will be closed tight by a diaphragm, tu, from which a bent tube, p', extends down into the chamber L', this tube being bent, as shown in iig. 1,.so as to form a trap, and thus, while it permits the liquor to pass through it into the chamber L', it will have its lower'curve lled with liquor, thereby sealing the chamber and preventing any evaporation. At the same time, in order-Ito permit the air to escape from the chamber L', and thus let the liquor enter, I attach to the upper portion of the same a bent tube, u, through which the air will escape as the liquor enters, it being a well-known or demonstrated fact in philosophy that no evaporation will take place through a tube bent in this form, and located as represented; or, instead of these tubes p und u, the-top of the sample-chamber L may have an opening,rprovided with'a valve,`t', as represented in the right-hand part of fig. 1, this valve being opened by an arm, c, arranged to pass under an inclined or curved projection attached to the valve, and thus open it at the time the spoutcZ is emptying into that particular chamber, the valve closing again, either by its weight or by a spring, as'soon as the spout d passes to the next chamber, Il.

In order to prevent any tampering with the samples in the chambersL by heat, ori by evaporating its A contents, and thus changing itslquality or specific gravity, I construct them of glass, with double walls, as

represented at L" in iig. 1', lthese sample-chambers being composed of `two glass tubes,lplaecd one` within the other, and separated by a spa-ce through which a currentoi' air may pass, and thus prevent the transmission ot'v heat to the inner tube.

In order to still further prevent any tampering with the meter or its contents by the application of heat to any portion of it, I attach to it one or more self-registering thermometers, as represented at S in tig. 1. bv which means the application of any undue amount of heat will be at once detected. v

'Io prevent the possibility of damming or closing up the delivery-spouts, E or E', and causing the` liquor to overilowinto other portions of the meter, from whence it may be drawn olii-clandestinely, or in any way interfere with the operations of the meter, I attach to the spout E, and to such other parts as may be neces' sary, a pipe, 7c, with its mouth so located that, before the spout E will overflow, a portion ofits contents will flow through the pipe 7c, and to the lower end of this pipe k, I attach a glass receiver, I, to catch and retain a portion of the overiiow. There may be any desired number of these tell-tales, and they will be so looatedthat they cann-ot be touched or opened by the operatives. By this means, the inspector, orperson having charge of the meter, can, at any time, detect any attempt at tampering by` eausing'an overiiow, as described.l

To prevent any tampering by means of tipping the meter, so as. to interfere with its perfect operation, I attach toit three or more tubes, T, as represented in the left-hand portion of fig. 1. These tubes T are slightly inclined towards the centre of the meter, they being located radially at different points, and their outer ends are bent so as to assume a vertical position, and terminate in a glass-reservoir, R. In the horizontal portion, T,

is placed a small quantity of quicksilver or other duid, or small balls, shot, or similar spherical bodies, which, whenever the meter is tilted, will pass out oi' the tube T and fall intothe trap or reservoir R, where it will remain, thus affording a sure means of exposing any change in the position of the meter, the working parts of the meter being enclosed in a tight case, as represented by the red linesinfig. 1, to prevent persons from interfcring' with it in 'any manner. Y V

In cach ofthe sample-ehambers L', I place an hydrometer and thermometer, either combined orseparate, to indicate the specific` gravity and temperature of the sample, both the'thermometer and hydrometer having three faces, wit-h graduations on each face, as represented byy t. iig. 3, so that they maybe read from the outside, whatover position they may assume.

In iig. 2, I have represented a meter, constiiucted on the same general plan, but instead of the tilting measuring-apparatus, I have substituted a'measuringnpparatns consistingoi' a series of cups or reservoirs, C, arranged around a central axis, equidstant, in the form of an overshot water-wliecl. In this case I have vrepresented five cups, but there may be more or less, an odd number being preferable, andcare being takenl to so arrange the compartments that, while in position to be filled, the centre ot' gravity oi' the fluid in the chamber being filled shall always occupy the same relative position to the axis of the wheel, whether there be much or little i'luid in the compartment. A wheel 0f this hind is formed by prolonging in a straight line the sides of an equilatcral figure, as represented in Figure 5. y

When a measuring-apparatus of this style is used, there will be a sample-cup, D', attached to thc outside of each compartment, in such a position that, as the compartment empties itsclfinto the spout E, a small portion `of its contents will be caught and retained inthe cup D', and as the wheel rotates, to empty the next.cell, this cup will be brought into such a position that the sample will be emptied out int-o the fennel F, from whence it will fiow through a spout into the sample-tube IJ', as previously described. The spout in this case may be rotated by means of a bevel-gear, B', on tlrcwheel engaging with similar gear, 'BQ on the disk, as represented in fig. 2, or by any equivalent means.

To hold the measuring-wheel in posi-tion while thc cell is being filled, I pivot a lever, W, :1S represented in iig. 2, so that one arm will rest against the wheel, until the compartment becomes suiiieientlylled to tip the lever W, and lot the wheel move, and empty the filled cell into the spout E. This lever-may b e graduated, and

provided ivith anvcight, like a steelyard-beam, so that it may bc' adjusted to measure anydesired quantity.

In any event, whatever form or style of measuring-cup or cell may be adopted, I so shape and locate them that, while a ecll is being filled, the centre of gravity of the iuid in the cellwhether it be more or less in bulk or in specific gravity, shall be, in relation to the axis of rotationor of oscillation, at all times the same, the object being to have the weight of iiuid in the cell operate with the same leverage, whether the cell be wholly or only partially filled. To accomplish this object, tivo conditions must exist: First, the cell or cup, whateverform of apparatus be used, must be so shaped and placed, while being filled, that its centre of gravity will constantly preserve a uniform distance from the centre of motion. This is accomplished by making the cellor cup of' such A a shape that, when in position to be filled, the fluid, as it risesor accumulates in the coll, lshall be in equilibrium on opposite sides of a perpendicular' line passing through the centre of gravity, and which line, of course, will stand parallel to a similar line passing through the axis or centre of motion of the apparatus. This idea is clearly represented in the tilting-apparatus shown in iig. l, in the wheel represented in fig. 2, and in the device represented in Figure 4, the line fz: re indicating the centre ot' gravity, and the line z z the perpendicular plane ofthe centre ci' motion. In each of these figures it-will be apparent that, as the fluid accumulates in the cella there will be an equal addition of weight on each side oi' the linea'x, and that consequently the centre'of gravity will remain uniform, and therefore the leverage the same, no matter what the quantity or spccic gravity oi' the duid in the cell.

The second condition is, that the apparatus must be so arranged aste move `]ust. tar enough to bring the ccll to be filled into the position above described. If' it tips too far, then, as the cell is illed, the leverage will be increased, as the Centre ef gravity will be constantly moving farther from the centre of motion, and vice versa. This is illustrated by the diagram, fig. 6, in which E represents the centre of motion, and the angles, A, B, C, the boundaries of one cell, exactly equal in size and form to the opposite cell, the angles of which are represented by A, B, D. The hopper, thus constructed, is arranged to vibrate through the are of a circle, the

angle of which is exactly equalv to the angle at the bottom of the cell. Thus, as represented in fig. 6, the anglev A E A', the are of which is A A', must be equal to thel angle A B C, or thatof the other cell, A B D, these two last being exactly equal to each other. This arrangement willgive the conditions required.

In their operati/on, in any Way, I propose to place in them, at various points, as represented atp,'fig.1,perA ferated'diaphragms or wire screens. I also propose to forni the pipes with a series of curves, bends, or angles, in such a way that it willbe impossible to force a wire, rod, or other article along them. y

In order to prevent the possibility of forcing the spirits back through theA meter, by means ofa force-pump or otherwise, and permitting it to be drawn ofi' at somevother point, I also propose to place in the pipes of the meter one or more check-valves, so arranged that they will open to let the spirits pass out in the proper direction, but will close whenever it is attempted to reverse the current in the pipes` By'these various improvements, I- am enabled to construct a meter that will operate in a most perfect andr satisfactory manner, and'that will preventor expose any ei'orts at tampering, to a degree never before attained.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, is Delivering thespirits into a series ofv cells', P', provided with strainers :tt-'their outlets, substantially as described, to prevent the entrance into the meter v4of any'ioreign substances.

2. The tilting measuring-cells C, provided with the 'sample-spouts E, arranged to deliver the samples in to the funnel G, substantially as described.

3. A series osamplc-chambers or tubes, L', arranged to receive the samples as they yare delivered from the funnel G through the spout d, or equivalent means.

4. I claim providing a meter with the rotatiugspout d, arranged to be operated by thc-movementsrof the measuring-apparatus, so as to deliver the samples to the sample-tubes in succession, substantially as set forth. 5. I claim making the sample-tubes L' with doublefglass'walls, as described, for the purpose of preventing the evaporation of the samplcs'hy heat. I n

6. I also claim providing the sample-tubes with a valve, z', arranged to be opened by the /movements of the arm e or other part of the meter, to permit-the entrance of the sample, and be closed again when the sample is in, to prevent evaporation.

7. I claim providing the sample-tubes with a valve or cock at their bottom, to be opened by the incline r on the arm K, attached to and operated bythe disk H, or equivalent means, to draw ei the samples, as described. 8. I claim providing a spirit-meter with a series of radial tubes T, so arranged that any material movement of the meter will cause the contents of said tubes to flow outinto and be retained in the vertical cups It, substantially as and for the purpose set forth. y

9. I claim the use of a measuring-Wheel, composed of a series of cells o'r compartments, C, arranged 'as represented in Iig. 2, and herein described."

10. I claim constructing and arranging the measuring-cups or cells of meters, as herein described, so that the leverage shall be uniform, Whatever the quantity or specific gravity of the fluid being measured.

11. I claimy making the pipes leading to or from the meter double, or encasing them within a second tube, to prevent tapping them or artificially cooling or heating them,.or abstracting liquor therefrom by capillary hl bt t'lll l-bd.

o es, su s an 1a y as L escri e J. G. ALLEN.

Witnesses:

IV; G. DODGE, P. T. Dones. 

